Shaanxi cuisine:
The development of greater Shaanxi cuisine reached its peak during the Han and Tang Dynasties almost two millennia ago. It is characterized as being hearty and salty with a strong flavor, and much emphasis is put on making elaborate dishes out of everyday ingredients. Today, Xi'an cuisine is heavily influenced by northeastern cuisines, and starches such as breads, noodles and dumplings abound as a main or a complement. Pork, mutton and freshwater fish are the staple meats in this land-bound province. Steaming, frying and stir-frying are the main cooking methods, and spices from nearby Sichuan make the occasional appearance on the table.

Chinese Restaurant

Tang Dynasty Theatre Restaurant:
Enjoy a banqueting experience fit for an emperor. Diners sit at round tables in front of a lavishly decorated stage of red and gold and watch a colorful cultural performance as they are plied with sumptuous dishes created by Chinese master chefs. Though this is, without a doubt, a shameless tourist trap, the food, the atmosphere and the entertainment is just too fun to miss.

Hong Kong Abalone Shark Fin Restaurant:
Cantonese cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The house specialty is - surprise! -shark fin soup. The average price is about RMB 90 per person.

Yue Zhen Xuan:
Delicate dishes and Cantonese specialties. Prices run around RMB60 per party of one or two.

East Asia Restaurant:
The East Asia Restaurant first opened its doors almost 100 years ago in Shanghai, but relocated to Xi'an in 1956. Prices and quality steadily increase as you move from floor to floor of this 3-story eatery. Dishes are done to perfection.

Guoli Renhe Sichuan Food:
Bringing you all the Sichuan spice you crave with dishes like dandan noodles, eight delicacies rice, spicy tofu and much more. Prices are reasonable and portions are large. RMB50 per party of one or two.

Xinjiang Food Restaurant:
At first glance, it's hard not to be turned off by the restaurant's touristy feel. Wait staff is decked out in cheap and brightly-colored "Xinjiang" garb and the whole place is festooned with gauche decor. The food, however, is more than worth the eyesore. Fantastic noodles, seasoned roast lamb feasts and delicious specialty drinks are served up with a smile. Prices are easy on the wallet.

Qingyazhai Restaurant:
Spicy cold tofu strips, "hot and frangrant" fish, and a variety of self-serve and pre-made hotpots.

 

International Restaurant

 

St.Louis Portuguese Restaurant:
Chili, saffron, cinnamon and vanilla reign in St. Louis restaurant, which provides decent Portuguese cooking at mid-range prices. Offering English menus, English-speaking wait staff and a non-smoking section. Private party rooms available. Average meals run RMB60-130/person.

La Seine Resaurant Francais:
One of Xi'an's few authentic Western restaurants. Thick, juicy steaks, escargot, a selection of delicate soups and salads, goose liver, cheese plates and more. English menus available. The average price is about RMB280 per person.

CACAJA Indian Restaurant:
Xi'an's only Indian restaurant is tucked away in quaint surroundings. Spicy curries, Tandoori Chicken, roti and naan bread. English-speaking staff help make the ordering process a breeze. The average price is about RMB45 per person.

Banana Leaf Xian:
Banana Leaf is one of China's original Thai chain restaurants. Fried crab cakes, sweet and sour sauces, pad Thai, and sweets made from sticky rice and coconut. Prices are high, but the food is worth a gander. Don't miss the pineapple rice, a blend of white rice, mild yellow curry and cashew nuts, and served in a hollowed out pineapple rind. Decorations consist of plastic tropical fruit on the vine and are so overdone as to be almost ridiculous. Expect to spend around about RMB70 per person.

Dom Japanese BBQ:
Watch as Japanese chefs deftly toss around your chosen meats as sizzling slabs of rou are grilled and dribbled in tangy barbecue sauce. The average price is about RMB60-70 per person.

Small World Restaurant:
A sort of all-in-one "Western" restaurant, with burgers, pizzas, pastas and salads. Offering a good selection of side dishes and a comfortable environment. The average price is about RMB60 per person.

Aositing Western Restaurant & Bar:
Suitable for business travelers and tour groups, Aositing offers a Chinese-Western fusion buffet every day from 11:00-15:00 and then again from 17:00-22:00